The Ginko biloba, with its distinct fan-shaped leaves, initially grows with a pyramidal habit, but later becomes wide-spreading. It is slow growing. Leaves turn golden yellow in the fall. Dropping fruit can be a nuisance but you can purchase a male plant to avoid the fruit. Ginkgo can also be used as bonsai. It is generally not bothered by insects or disease.

Common name:Germander SageBotanical name:Salvia chamaedryoides

Low mounding perennial with long bloom spreads by underground runners. Produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have spicy fragrance. Native to eastern Mexico 7-9000' in desert habitat Grows to mature size of 2' tall and wide. Heaviest bloom in spring and early fall, intermittent throughout the rest of the season. Full sun, well drained site. No fertilizer. Drought tolerant.

Designer: Johanna Woolcott Wild Gardens

LA Courtyard Garden1

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.